‘Everybody else would get eaten alive’ – Man Utd legend names the only manager who could bring title to Old Trafford
DWIGHT YORKE claims that Zinedine Zidane is the only manager that would not get “eaten alive” at Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag‘s job at Old Trafford hangs in the balance with multiple names being linked as his replacement.
Zidane, 51, is known to be Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s dream appointment to replace the Dutchman at the helm.
However, the likes of Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel have also been tipped for the role.
Yorke, 52, believes that the Frenchman could get Manchester United back to challenging for titles.
The former club striker also suggested that other candidates could be overwhelmed in the role.
He told TVSportGuide: “I don’t think Zinedine Zidane would dominate with Man United, but he’d get them back to where they should be in the league table.
“With Zidane coming to the club, it would generate belief in the club to win another league title.
“Zidane has proved what he can do at Real Madrid, he has all the star qualities to do it at Man United.
“You see names like Gareth Southgate being linked to Man United, but it’s a different ball game when you manage a club of this size.
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Zinedine Zidane's managerial career
Zinedine Zidane began his career in management in June 2014 when he was appointed coach of Real Madrid's B team.
Zizou spent 18 months in charge of Real Madrid Castilla before being given his shot at the big time following the sacking of Rafael Benitez.
Zidane, 51, took charge of the first team in January 2016 and guided them to a second-place finish in his maiden season at the Bernabeu helm.
But he went one better in the Champions League, sealing Real’s 11th European Cup triumph with a shootout victory over Atletico Madrid.
The former Los Blancos star went one better in the league in the 2016-17 season, in which they also won the Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.
A second successive Champions League triumph also followed, with Real beating Italian giants Juventus at the Principality Stadium.
He would create history the following season by becoming the first manager to win the tournament three times on the bounce.
A 3-1 win over Liverpool saw Real become the first team to win Europe’s elite club competition three times in a row.
Zidane announced his resignation five days after the final, insisting the club needed a “change” of direction.
He would return to the Bernabeu in March 2019 following Santiago Solari and Julen Lopetegui’s short reigns.
A return to the summit of Spanish football would follow in the 2019-20 season, in which Real also scooped the Spanish Super Cup.
Zidane would leave the Bernabeu again in June 2021 after overseeing Real’s first trophyless season in 11 years.
Zinedine Zidane’s Honours:
– La Liga: 2016–17, 2019–20
– Supercopa de España: 2017, 2019–20
– UEFA Champions League: 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18
– UEFA Super Cup: 2016, 2017
– FIFA Club World Cup: 2016, 2017
“You see what can unfold at that football club, and Zidane would be the one who can handle it and move the club forward.
“The rest of the managers would get eaten up alive, there is a lack of elite managers in the world at the moment.”
Zidane has only managed one club during his post-playing career.
He took charge of Real Madrid on two occasions and won two LaLigas and three Champions League titles.
He has not managed since leaving Los Blancos for a second time in 2021.
Pundits verdict on Ten Hag's future
Where do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag's Manchester United future
Jamie Carragher – Sacked
“I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
“To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
Louis Saha – On the fence
“I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
Alan Shearer – Sacked
“I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”